TRACK CYCLING PRESS

Pietermaritzburg - South Africa will host the first CAC (African Cycling Confederation) African Continental Track Championships at the Sax Young Cycling track in Alexandra Park from 21-25 January, entrenching the city’s status as Africa’s “Bike City”.

With the best track cyclists from the continent expected to be entered by their federations for the event, Cycling South Africa has announced a team of 40 male and female athletes to challenge for the continental titles across the various race formats.

“All of our best riders have been selected to represent their country, without any barriers to entry,” said Cycling SA Track Commission Director Johan Smith. “It will however, also assist our top riders with regards to points.”

In addition the African Cycling Federation has allowed Cycling South Africa to allow provinces to enter teams into the event as well to maximize the opportunity for local riders to gain experience and accumulate vital points that will count towards their eligibility to enter World Cup events.

“This is very good for the development of track cycling in South Africa,” said Smith.

Importantly the inaugural African Championships will include Paracycling races in both time trial and pursuit formats for various categories of male and female Para athletes, and a men’s team pursuit.

The full programme is set to run from Wednesday 21 January to Saturday 24 January, with Sunday 25 January set aside as a reserve day in case if rain interruptions.

Cycling South Africa

Cycling South Africa is the governing body of cycling in South Africa and is a member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It is affiliated to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as well as the Department of Sport & Recreation. Cycling South Africa regulates the five major disciplines within the sport, both amateur and professional, which include: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, BMX Biking, Track Cycling and Para-Cycling. Cycling South Africa’s “2020 Vision” strategy, to cater for both the elite cyclist as well as the everyday two- and three-wheel lovers, contributes to the organisation being a dynamic, successful and highly respected governing body of cycling, at both National and International level. Cycling South Africa is committed to transformation and development of the sport and making it accessible to all via its development programmes.